Why did the DNC pick Charlotte?

Democrats have not held their convention in the South since they nominated Michael Dukakis back in 1988. And some of the delegates are not thrilled with the decision to meet this week in Charlotte.

"Well, they could have done better," complained Florida delegate John Parker. "On balance, there is not enough unionization with the hotels and construction workers."

LINK: Tuesday's schedule at the DNC

LINK: First lady set for big speech

LINK: What to watch for

North Carolina voters overwhelmingly rejected gay marriage this year. And back in May, a petition to move the convention out of Charlotte picked up more than 30,000 signatures.

While it is considered a swing state -- President Obama won it by a whisker in 2008 -- it is historically conservative, and polls have been leaning Mitt Romney's way.

But the Obama campaign's strategy in coming to Charlotte is to keep North Carolina in play -- either win it or put Romney on defense and make him work for it.

"Hopefully we'll set the record straight and have an exciting convention," offered Terri Brady, a past chair of the Florida Democratic Party.

The Democrats are also looking beyond this year to try to boost the Democratic Party in the South.

"It's a long-range strategy," explained delegate Lisa King. "So this is the first step in a new relationship between southern voters and the Democratic Party."